LaserTurn^®280 Laser Machining System

Description

Key Features

• Increases process throughput & maintains outstanding part reproducibility
• Simplifies system integration with automated material handling & clear aperture for tube feedthrough
• Accommodates tube diameters from 0.3–30 mm with various collet options
• Dead-length collets minimize axial tube motion & eliminate stitching errors during advance-and-regrip operations
• Minimizes tube waste with optimized, precision-engineered system architecture
• Configurable for wet- or dry-cutting with fluid rotary union
• Gets you to market faster with less risk than component-stage DIY solutions

Key Applications

LaserTurn280 is ideal for these applications:

• Medical device manufacturing
• Stent cutting
• Hypotube manufacturing
• Cylindrical laser machining

Direct-Drive Technology

LaserTurn280 uses direct-drive, noncontact motor and feedback technology for both the linear and rotary axes. Direct-drive motors provide significantly higher throughput and maintenance-free operation, which are considerable advantages compared to screw- and gear-drive technology. Plus, linear and rotary encoders coupled directly to the carriage and shaft provide the highest possible system accuracy and repeatability, resulting in a long and consistent lifetime of manufacturing highly precise and reproducible parts.

Versatile Configurations

LaserTurn280 is available with three rotary stage options from which to select, offering a diverse range of collet options and cutting configurations.  They are configurable to order, based on your specific tube-cutting application needs.

• ASR1400: Broad tube diameter clamping range from 0.3–15 mm. A Swiss-style TF20 dead-length collet eliminates unwanted tube motion during advance-and-regrip operations. 
• ASR1100: Highest overall dynamic performance with versatile ER16 collet chuck for tube diameters 0.5–10 mm, or Schaublin W12 dead-length collet chuck for tube diameters 0.3–8 mm. ASR1100 can also be configured for wet-cutting processes.
• ACS150: Most versatile tube diameter range, from 0.5–16mm with ER25 collets, or 16–30 mm with ER40 collets. ACS150 can also be configured for wet-cutting processes.

Workholding & Material Handling Options for Every Need

LaserTurn280 provides more than ultra-precise, high-speed motion — it’s also configurable with an automated material handling system, simplifying its integration into tube-cutting machines. Choose a highly repeatable dead-length TF20 Swiss collet or a Schaublin W12 collet chuck to eliminate unwanted tube motion in the axial direction when the collet opens or closes. Or, select a highly versatile ER-style collet chuck to accommodate a greater range of tube diameters with each collet size. Tubes can be loaded from the front or rear, thanks to the rotary axis’s clear aperture. Plus, LaserTurn280 features an optional pneumatic gripper to assist with advancing the tube.

Optional Wet-Cutting Capabilities

Does your manufacturing process involve liquid coolant or another cutting fluid? No problem. LaserTurn280 is also configurable for wet-cutting, thanks to an optional fluid rotary union. The -WCUT option provides a fluid inlet and eliminates the need to manage hose rotation and wind-up. Cutting fluid can then safely flow through the rotary axis’s hollow shaft and the workpiece. Consider the dry-cut option if cutting fluid is not required or if you prefer to integrate your own external wet-cutting features.

Powerful, Intuitive Controller Architecture

LaserTurn280 is available with Aerotech’s Automation1 Software-Based Machine Controller (iSMC). The Automation1-iSMC is a part of the Automation1 high-performance motion control platform which also includes the Automation1 Motion Development Kit (MDK). Automation1 drives are networked to the controller over the HyperWire® fiber optic communication bus. This ultra-fast bus and efficient servo motor drive hardware enable extreme levels of optimization across several axes of motion. Advanced trajectory generation capabilities such as multi-block lookahead minimize geometric errors in tight profiles by transparently regulating cutting speed, while Enhanced Tracking Control (ETC) reduces tracking errors during contoured motion by up to 4x and helps to compensate for friction-related disturbances. Aerotech’s Position Synchronized Laser Firing Output (PSO) functionality automatically adjusts the laser pulse frequency to match the current cutting speed to maintain optimal laser power coupling.

Boost Throughput & Precision with Automation1 PWM+ Amplifiers

Aerotech’s Automation1 PWM+ amplifiers deliver the elite tracking accuracy you’d expect from a traditional linear amplifier—but without the significant thermal drawbacks, bulky size and elevated cost. This advanced PWM+ architecture provides a highly cost-effective scaling solution, matching linear amplifier precision at a fraction of the hardware complexity and cost. Want to achieve faster cycle times without compromising critical manufacturing tolerances? Check out Boosting Throughput and Precision in Medical Device Manufacturing with Automation1 PWM+ Amplifiers.